Holly
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Holly
Pronunciation guide for Holly
ARPA
HH AA1 L IY0
IPA
ˈhɑli
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Holly
Syllables (2)
HH AA1 L IY0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
HH
he (h)AA1
odd (ɑ)L
lee (l)IY0
eat (i)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈhɑli
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Holly has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Holly
Structure
Character Count
5
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
20%
Name Family
holly
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty2/10
Easy to pronounce
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Holly
Unique character and personality of the name Holly
Name Personality
The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Strong
Consonant-rich and crisp
Ease
Simple
Easy for most speakers
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
holly
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
l×2
h×1
o×1
Most frequent letters in Holly
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Very Easy
2/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Holly compare to the average name?
Holly2/10 😊
2.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Holly is easier than average by 3.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)← Holly
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Holly (root: holly)
Current Name
Holly
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Holle
Medium variations:
Hollace
Holladay
Hollah
Hollaman
Hollan
Hollando
Hollard
Hollee
Holleigh
Holleman
Hollen
Long variations:
Hollander
Hollandsworth
Hollenbach
Holly belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Holly mean?
The meaning and origin of Holly
English
noun 1. any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
Historical Reference
noun 2. United States rock star (1936-1959)
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Holly's meanings
Primary Theme
🌿
Natural
Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Key Themes
tree
star
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Holly
Life Path Number
9
The Humanitarian
Selfless individuals dedicated to serving humanity and making the world better.
Compassionate
Idealistic
Generous
Universal
Most Common Letters
l×2
h×1
o×1
y×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
1(20%)
Consonants
4(80%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
h8
o6
l3
l3
y7
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Holly
Famous individuals named Holly
👤
Holly Hughes
American performance artist
Born: 1955
👤
Holly Hagan
British reality television personality
Born: 1992
👤
Holly Lewis
Canadian actress (1974-2012)
Born: 1974
👤
Holly Morris
American writer, television producer, television presenter
Born: 1965
👤
Holly Fulger
American actress
Born: 1956
👤
Holly Cole
Canadian jazz and pop singer
Born: 1963
Where is Holly popular?
Countries where Holly ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Holly?
Popularity rankings and trends for Holly around the world
Holly Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Holly
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Holly Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Holly
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Holly ranks across different countries
Showing top 6 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Parents who like Holly also like these names
Names similar to Holly in style, sound, and origin
What words rhyme with the name Holly?
Rhyming words for Holly
akali
ali
artale
attali
bakrewali
bali
bengali
bialy
braly
brolly
caccavale
cali
campanale
canale
caporale
cardinale
casale
casali
colley
collie
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is Holly in Australia?
Holly is moderately popular in Australia as of 2015, ranking at #98. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Holly in Canada?
Holly is moderately popular in Canada as of 2003, ranking at #89. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Holly in Ireland?
Holly is quite popular in Ireland as of 2019, ranking at #21. It ranks in the top 50 girls' names.
How popular is Holly in New Zealand?
Holly is moderately popular in New Zealand as of 2020, ranking at #78. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Holly in United Kingdom?
Holly is moderately popular in United Kingdom as of 2018, ranking at #57. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Holly in United States?
Holly is used but uncommon in United States as of 2018, ranking at #509. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How do you pronounce Holly?
IPA: /ˈhɑli/ ARPA: HH AA1 L IY0 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Holly?
Holly has 2 syllables.
Is Holly easy to pronounce?
Yes, Holly is very easy to pronounce. It has simple, common sounds that most people can say without difficulty.
Is Holly easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Holly is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Holly?
There are 100 notable people named Holly. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Holly?
Names similar to Holly include: Hollace, Holladay, Hollah, Hollaman, Hollan. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Holly a good baby name?
Holly makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Holly a boy or girl name?
Holly can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Holly?
The name is spelled H-o-l-l-y. Common spelling variations include: Hollace, Holladay, Hollah.
What are common nicknames for Holly?
Common nicknames for Holly include: Hol, Holly, Holie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Holly mean?
The name Holly means "holly n 1: any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges 2: United States rock star (1936-1959) [syn: {Holly}, {Buddy Holly}, {Charles Hardin Holley}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Holly?
Middle names that pair well with Holly include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Holly?
Sibling names that pair well with Holly include: Hollace, Holladay, Hollah, Hollaman. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Holly?
Yes, Holly is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Holly from?
Holly has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Holly suitable for a professional career?
Holly is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Holly a long or short name?
Holly is a short name with 5 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Holly?
Common spelling variations of Holly include: Hollah, Hollan, Holle. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Holly and Hollace?
Holly and Hollace are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Holly is spelled Holly while Hollace is spelled Hollace. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.